This post for Masala Lentils is the second time I have made this dish and part of a small back to back Indian series I have put forward. The first time I made this dish, I made it for my wife (AJ) and me. I knew my son would love it. This is my law school son who is in Chicago this summer as a summer associate. He tries to eat a decent percentage of his meals vegetarian and he really likes Indian food. So I knew he would like this recipe. He is living downtown, and we made a deal, where we go downtown for dinner one week and he comes home for dinner on the next weekend.
Masala Lentils
Obviously, this Masala Lentils recipe was one of his times back at the house. I think that this dinner might have been in his 2 day transition to downtown before he formally moved downtown. Nonetheless, I wanted to make this recipe for him. The first time I made this for AJ and me, we absolutely loved it. The flavor from the the cilantro and the spices including the cumin, coriander, garam masala, and the secret ingredient, the smoked paprika are amazing. The tomato paste makes for the perfect consistency for this Masala Lentils. I loved the flavor so much that I tried a fusion recipe of Masala Fettuccini for AJ and me. She was very negative about the idea until she tasted it. We loved it too.
Masala Fettuccini
This dish is so simple. I used to do Indian recipes that were so difficult. This dish is packed with flavor and pretty darn easy to make. The ingredients are thrown in a food processor and then into a pan. That’s it. This dish really proves how simple ingredients can create so much flavor. The cumin, coriander, garam marsala have such deep flavors in and of themselves. Then, the tomato paste perfects the texture and the cilantro adds just the right freshness to this sauce.
- 1½ teaspoons cumin
- 1½ teaspoon coriander
- 1-3 teaspoons red pepper flakes*
- 1 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garam marsala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ⅓ cup packed cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup masala paste
- 1 – 29 ounce can of stewed tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup lentils
- 2 – 3 handfuls spinach
- In a small food processor, add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, garam marsala, and salt and pulse. Give a couple pulse to incorporate.
- Next, add avocado oil, tomato paste, and cilantro leaves. Pulse until paste forms and everything is well incorporated. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt coconut oil and add diced onion, cooking until translucent, 4-5 minutes. Add in minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Stir in masala paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir in stewed tomatoes and coconut milk. Stir together and bring to a boil.
- Add in lentils and reduce heat to medium low. Cook, stirring often, until lentils are tender, 20-25 minutes. Finish by folding in the spinach.
- Serve and enjoy!
Masala Ingredients
The spices and cilantro added to the Cuisinart and then fully blended.
Ingredients in Cuisinart
Ingredients Blended
The mixed ingredients are transferred to a skillet with sautéed red onions and then the tomatoes and coconut milk are added to round out the sauce.
Masala Mixture Added to Pan
Tomato & Coconut Milk Added
The lentils are added to absorb some of the liquid and to soften.
Lentils Added
Lentils Simmering
Spinach added to wilt and plated.
Spinach Added
Plated
This looks amazing, I’m going to make it with indian spiced fried lamb chops tomorrow!
Lucille, that sounds totally awesome. Let me know how the whole dinner turns out.
I am a sucker for Indian food, especially lentil dishes, so this looks absolutely mouth watering! Definitely pinning to try soon!
Thx Liz.
I need to try this! I’ve never cooked with masala; looks delish!
This looks delicious, great flavors! Love the addition of coconut milk and the masala. Also it’s really cool in the was zoo can put this over rice or pasta, fantastic!
Wow, I love this Indian recipe, looks so tasty! And the step by step recipe is always something I like when it comes to exotic food, thanks!
I love the hearty, comforting and meatiness of lentils.. so this masala dish is definitely perfect for me to make right now as the winter weather is appalling here in Australia! Yum.
This masala curry recipe looks soooo delicious. I will try making this over the weekend.
Please let me know if you do. Would love to know how it turns out for you.
truly salivating over here!! Need this for dinner…TONIGHT!
It is that good Nic and pretty darn easy to make.
Love this recipe! Amazing flavors and so hearty while being meatless and super healthy!
I have to mix in those meatless meals every so often but I do not want to sacrifice flavor. This is a super recipe for that goal.
I love masala, chicken is my favorite but I would love to try this recipe. Looks delicious.
Funny you say that. I love to find other ways to use it. It would be great on chicken too.